Prioritize unification of forces, peace monitors tell South Sudan leaders
November 27 2024 (JUBA) – The peace monitoring body (RJMEC) has urged both national and state authorities to prioritize the unification and deployment of forces as stipulated in the 2018 peace agreement that ended the five-year civil war in South Sudan.
Speaking at the 8th Governors’ Forum in Juba on Wednesday, RJMEC Interim Chairperson, Gen. Charles Tai Gituai expressed concerns that the unification process had not progressed as expected.
He said the unification of the forces is part of the implementation of the security arrangements.
He remarked, “RJMEC encourages dialogue for resolving disputes. In this regard, I commend the national and state officials for their ongoing peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts”.
Gen. Gituai reminded the parties to the peace agreement of the 35% affirmative action for women, saying no woman currently holds the position of Governor or Chief Administrator in South Sudan.
“RJMEC reiterates its appeal to the Parties to the R-ARCSS to adhere to the minimum women’s quota in the Executive and decision-making bodies at all levels of government,” he stated.
The RJMEC Interim Chairperson said last week’s security incident which led to loss of lives and disrupted the relative peace in Juba was unfortunate and regrettable, referring to the gunfire that erupted near the residence of the former Director of the National Security Service, Gen. Akol Koor.
He said RJMEC encourages dialogue for resolving disputes, adding “In this regard, I commend the national and state officials for their ongoing peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.”
While commending the South Sudanese government for agreeing to resume the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi, Kenya, Gen. Gituai said it is imperative that this dialogue is guided by the spirit of compromise, inclusivity and reconciliation in order to contribute to enduring peace in South Sudan.
According to the official, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs drafted the Bills on the Commission for Truth Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA), which was passed by the national assembly and assented to by the president.
“What is now required is the establishment of the CTRH and CRA mechanisms and their operationalization. There has been no progress in setting up the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS). The RJMEC urges the RTGoNU to engage the African Union to meet and discuss the modalities for establishing the Hybrid Court for South Sudan,” he told the forum.
Gen. Gituai urged the state and administrative area leaders to provide adequate security and promote open political and civic space at the state and local levels to enable the local populations to exercise their democratic rights and participate in the implementation of the peace agreement.
He further called for continued support and to coordinate and work with civil society, partners and stakeholders in disseminating the revitalized peace agreement at state and local levels of the country
The national government should empower the state governments and administrative authorities and build their capacity to deliver services and undertake peacebuilding and reconciliation activities, Gen. Githuai stressing, citing the “Complete the unification of forces and their deployment throughout the country to enhance security in the States and Administrative Areas.”
Further calls were made for government to adopt of the report of the Judicial Reform Committee (JRC) and implementation of the recommended reforms to improve access to justice in the country.
(ST)